Erin + Rick's Wishes TR 4/4/11 UPDATE 1/17 : Our disneyweddingblog.com features!

[erin.w]

I have decided to create a planning journal to keep a memento of planning and as a way to keep all my ideas in the same spot. I have enjoyed reading others journals and thought someone may enjoy reading mine as well!

Background: Rick and I met almost nine years ago when I had just graduated high school and was starting college. I had just moved into a new town with my mom and sister. Rick and I met through a love of Volkswagens and the rest is history! We have been a couple for just about 8 years. Since we have been together I made my way through undergraduate and graduate school, and have an “adult” job. Rick is 5 years older than I, so he already has the steady job, and luckily was able to help me out at times financially while I was in school.

Our Disney History: Somewhere in the middle of my college career Rick thought we should take a trip to Disney during my break. I hadn’t been to Disney since a one day visit during a band trip to Florida. And before that, only once when I was 3!

One way or another we decided to stay at Pop, and had a great time despite having no dining reservations (gasp!). Fast-forward to our next trip the following year where we decided to “splurge” and book AKL. Not long before our trip, Disney called telling us they had to move our reservation because of construction. They told us we would be moved to SSR in a studio. Not really knowing what that meant, we heartily agreed. Rushing to the computer to find out where we would be staying! Disney called not more than 15 minutes later with “bad news,” the news was that all the studios were booked and we were upgraded to a one-bedroom villa! Needless to say, during that visit we took the DVC tour, and were members less than 6 months later (I guess they made out on the “upgrade.”)

Up next: the proposal

I will try to include as many photos as possible, because I think that makes things more exciting!

[erin.w]

Our last visit to the world was November of 2009. The trip was planned to celebrate Rick's birthday and our first visit to the Food and Wine Festival. Here we are at the beginning of the trip (when the park was decorated for Halloween):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a78b8a300000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

The day Rick had planned to proposed we were leaving MK for our afternoon nap and a photopass photographer was standing near Crystal Palace. I asked him if he would take our photo and he was being silly and went to hand Rick the camera as if he should take a photo of the guy and I. I know weird. So then the photographer says to me, "go stand with your husband," me, "he's not my husband." him, "stand with your fiance," me, "he's not my fiance." him, "stand with your boyfriend." That I could do!

Well that wasn't all he had in store. He decided to pose us, and says "ok stand next to her," "now give her a kiss," "now get down on one knee and propose." And we laughed and went on with our day. Not knowing that we would be back in the park a few hours later and he would actually propose! Rick had planned on proposing that night and says he wishes he had the ring with him earlier in the day because he would have done it right then! And we would have had it captured on film!

Here is a photo of us at the resort after a nap and showering for the evening. (Little did I know this would essentially be an engagement photo!)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a79399200000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

The proposal is coming up next, promise!

[erin.w]

As we arrive at the turnstiles, we always "race" to see who can get into the park first, or who picks the slowest line! Needless to say, you can see who won here (notice the confused lady stopping Rick from winning the race):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a66b8bd00000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

After celebrating my victory we moved onward with our evening. The point for tonight was to go on as many rides as possible during EMH. And to get a picture of the castle in orange!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a67398c00000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

After the fireworks and the park began to clear I was ready to begin the mission, but apparently Rick had other plans. As he wandered aimlessly, I began to get frustrated that we weren't doing anything. As we walked behind the castle, I made sure to point out, "that's the fountain where a lot of people get engaged." I guess that was all that was needed. Not more than a few minuted later Rick had me walking back by the fountain, and said "I have this for you," and I wish I had a photo of the look on my face but I'm sure it looked something like this :eek: words were exchanged, you know the usual "will you marry me." And it was official! I grabbed some random stranger walking by to take a picture for us.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a64b8bf00000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

The fountain:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a63398800000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

The ring:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a61398a00000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

Our first approval:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47a0dd25b3127cce98548a60b8bb00000035102AatW7Fq2ZMW

Needless to say, I was on cloud nine after calling my mom and sister, and didn't care if we rode a single ride that night! :cheer2:

[padisneyfour]

just wanted to say congrats and welcome:goodvibes

[BecBennett]

That is a pretty ring :cloud9:

I didn't get the usual "Will you marry me?" :laughing: DF went to hand me the ring and pulled it away saying "You didn't say yes yet!" and I grabbed it off him and said "That's because you didn't ask me anything!!" :rotfl:

We'll be in March 2011, so not that far apart :goodvibes

[pink_tink8i8]

congrats and welcome :goodvibes

[erin.w]

Thanks guys! My "disfear" is that I post a journal and no one responds! hehe I hope to get a better picture of my ring, to show all the detail!

Thanks again!

[TinkLoverSam]

I had the same fear, then realized that just becasue I READ everyone's planning journal doesn't mean they know I do, so I'm trying to post more to encourage others to return the favour. (I also really want LurkyLoo to post on my PJ but that's mostly cause I'm insane :lmao:)

[Pirate's Princess]

Dont have disfear! Even when individuals don't post, it's really nice to have everything all laid and it's a great place to just jot down ideas (plus it's almost always accessible) And plus, people will post!

Great engagement story. That would have been hilarious if he was actually proposing during the photo staging! Great ring. Can't wait to read more.

[DVC Bride 2011]

Glad to see a fellow CTer also getting married next spring! I love your engagement story...that fountain is awesome. My mom, who has read these boards for years, always points out to me that it's a popular engagement spot.

Can't wait to see more of your plans!

[erin.w]

After much time has passed, I promised myself to get back to this, if only to keep my thoughts in order. Thanks for the well wishes!

Things are going to be in fast forward in the next post or so, as planning is in full swing!

Up next: Site visit trip for my birthday this past May 2010.

[erin.w]

Somehow while we were there on our trip in November, I found out DFTW was having an open house, so I went by myself. I think the whole engagement thing was too new for Rick, and myself, but I knew I could not miss the opportunity to check things out.

While at the open house I met Joe DeMatei, and we chatted a bit about the little details we had in mind. I am glad I went because when I got home I was able to check in with him through email and by a phone call in the beginning process of planning.

Through the many emails with Joe we decided on an April wedding in 2011.
We wanted to get married in Epcot, but were told we couldn't if we wanted to use an outside photographer. The one thing I didn't want to change was who I wanted to photograph the event, I had my heart set on the Roots.

Initially we wanted the ceremony at SBP, but when the date came to "pencil in" our location, we got the disappointing news that it was being held for a convention. Joe checked to see if this was their backup location or if they are definitely going to use it, and they will be so that changed our plans there. We considered the beach locations, but I thought it would cost too much in decorations to make it look like the vision in my head. We were pretty settled on the wedding gazebo as we didn't have many other options and liked the way it looked!

After feeling like we had changed our minds 1000 times I thought it would be important to check out the sites before making a final decision. (although we were pencilled in for WG, Summerhouse, Citricos, and French Upper)

This leads us to my birthday/site visit/engagement photo/flower and garden festival/family trip in May. :wizard:

[erin.w]

Family started asking about the wedding before we were going so I thought it would be helpful to send out STDs (I giggle everytime I see that abbreviation) :lmao:

I had worked in an invitation studio when I was in grad school, so I wanted some nicer wedding stationery (well as much as the budget would allow). Without further adieu this is what we came up with:

The company we ordered from:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa2643c8ad8b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa26a5b1ad8100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

This orange was a bit more "orange" than I had hoped for but I didn't want to have to change them as I wanted them to go out before we left for our trip!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa26cb3d2c0a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I made these on vistaprint as I had a discount code for them (I backed them with the blue paper myself to give them a little more substance as they were a little flimsy).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa268e12edaf00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Our thank you notes:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa2718e04c6a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
They really are white and not glossy, just a bad photo.


So with our save the dates in the mail directing our future guests to our wedding website for updated information we departed for Disney! :cheer2:

[erin.w]

Rick and I are DVC members and usually visit WDW two times a year, one short trip in the spring and a longer one in the fall. We wanted to save some points and booked a value studio at the AKL.

We were pleasantly surprised with our view, joking that we would probably get the "dumpster view."
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa274bd28dd900000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Found this cute little guy waiting for us:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa27e5db8d8700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Here are a couple photos from the flower and garden festival:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa2752254c8a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Little family checking out the event:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa27ea96cd5500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Prior to departing for our trip we had to book our wedding reservations through DVC, but were only able to book the first part of our wedding/honeymoon trip. We knew we wanted to book concierge level (and saved the points to do so), I got up first thing the morning to book exactly 11 months out. We were lucky enough to get a studio concierge level for the first half. :woohoo:

A few days after the wedding, we decided that we would go on a short cruise, and booked a 3 day cruise on DCL. That way we would spend a couple days with the guests after the wedding, go on the cruise, then back to the resorts for the rest of our honeymoon (after all the guests went back home). I think this will work out nicely.

The day that we had the site visit planned with Joe I had to book the second half of the honeymoon. Here's mom and I waiting to call member services before meeting up with Joe.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa2767e10ccc00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

And we got it! :banana::cool1: Whew, now that that was settled, it was time to meet Joe and check out the locations.

Ceremony location (wedding gazebo):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa26d5ba2c8200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I hope the flowers match our colors next year. :laughing: I like that it looks nice without a lot of additions (budget saving).

Reception location (Citricos):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa2781bc0ce200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Dessert Party location (France upper):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa26d9342c0a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Here are the flowers waiting in the room for me on my birthday from Rick.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d804b3127ccefa261654eda500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Up next engagement photos!

[erin.w]

Have to say we loved loved loved Nathan and Jensey Root and can't wait to see them again on our wedding day! Here are some photos from our engagement session.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d830b3127ccefa02d2ff16b000000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d830b3127ccefa03f7d1765800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d830b3127ccefa039947f7c900000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

And our favorite:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d830b3127ccefa03f0fc36ee00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

They were awesome to work with, and the hour we spent wandering around the resort with them was a lot of fun!

Up next: Etsy finds and my addiction to all things Etsy :surfweb:

[erin.w]

Welcome bags - I didn't think I was going to do them, but I have fallen weak and decided to have them for each guest room!

Here is a little mock up of the "bear necessities"
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d920b3127ccefad7fd4e72be00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

It has a mini first aid kit, Advil to go pack, hand sanitizer and bath and body works orange scented lotion.

Everything has been purchased with coupons and either free or really discounted (the B&B lotion was 75% off).

Just trying to figure out the bag topper, as I'm not too fond of the one in the photo.

[BecBennett]

I had Joe too, he was great. Now I've got Michelle.

I'm doing small welcome bags too, they would be some great to find in your room!

[erin.w]

Our custom hanger arrived in the mail today, and I loooove it!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d933b3127ccefaccc58cb24d00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[pezaddict231]

I have recently fallen prey to the welcome bag as well. After deciding we just weren't doing them, I've decided that we really do need them, so it's a scramble to get them together now. I think your bear necessities pack is really cute and I like the topper, I plan to just use a ziplock bag, lol.

The hanger is adorable! I really wanted one but my dress is way too heavy for it, and the sellers that do the wood with wire letters don't do them as neat as the seller you got yours from.

[BecBennett]

Your coat hanger is awesome! I want one!

[erin.w]

My Mother, sister, friend and myself went to NYC to go to the J. Crew wedding boutique to look at dresses!

Mom, sis and I:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8ba43ea1d00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Sis, friend and I:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf945be8a4b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8d09f6bc400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The consultant getting an idea of my style:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf913640b8a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The poodle vest we made fun of, but surprisingly many people were looking at it/trying it on (maybe I don't understand fashion) :confused3 Oh yeah, and it was $800!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8497eaac100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Our little dressing room:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf88655ea1500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Everything was very nice and the people were friendly and knew what they were doing, it was apparent throughout the whole experience! :woohoo: A lot different experience than David's Bridal.

Up next - trying some dresses on - including the one dress that we went there specifically to see - will I like it? :surfweb:

[BecBennett]

Oooh, suspensful!

[erin.w]

Okay I couldn't wait any longer to build up the anticipation! :cutie:

Here is the dress I loooooved online and made the trip to see in person, and I'm glad I did, because I didn't like it in person!

Here is my "I don't really like it face"
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf9ec38ca0100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I ended up liking this one a lot and it was in the final running: (HAD TO REMOVE PHOTO SO RICK COULD READ ALONG)


And it had pockets! (from the moment I got engaged, I had said I wanted a dress with pockets) :rotfl:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8c6f26ba200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Another I did not like so much: (the top was pretty but the bottom wasn't flattering)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf9f34b8ae500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

This one looked better on the mannequin!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf9430d8afb00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The pink shoes I hope to have money left in the budget for:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf911f30b1c00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

A $680 necklace - it did look pretty on the book lady, only in my dreams will I wear it!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf95a224b7000000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Pretty pink flowers
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf806ba6b8a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Will I find a dress I like? The suspense is killing me! :rotfl:

[erin.w]

This is the dress I ended up purchasing!! It's very much me and it has pockets!
(HAD TO REMOVE PHOTO SO RICK COULD READ ALONG)

I bought it in two sizes as I plan on losing 10 lbs and hope to fit into the smaller size as the larger size needs to be taken in at my current weight.

A shot of the boutique:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8e9972b4800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

My question to you:

Which pair of shoes do you like better (that is if I don't purchase the ones from J. Crew)? It's hard to tell from the bad lighting but they really are pink, not red as they appear!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf9feabca9b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Up next - a hair piece (lol that sounded like a wig, not the headband I intended).

[erin.w]

I've decided that I'm going to have short hair for the wedding, as I'm not into up-do's so much.

That being said - I've been on the search for head pieces. These are the three I found and hope to use one of them.

Which do you think goes best with the dress? :idea:

#1:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf85d512bd400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

#2:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d900b3127ccefafe1d3042d000000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

#3:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d900b3127ccefafec301428e00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I hope to use a birdcage veil with the headband for the ceremony.


Whew! That's all for tonight, look forward to your comments! :surfweb:

[redlight]

I love your dress! As for your hair, I liked style number 1 the best. You have great facial features for short hair.

[Kristinella]

I voted for 2 on another post of yours! Just caught up on your plans and it looks great so far! Cute engagement story! I LOVE your hanger...would you mind sharing where you got it? I have seen them done before but yours is really done well! Congratulations and I can't wait to read more! popcorn::

[erin.w]

Thanks for the nice comments!

I voted for 2 on another post of yours! Just caught up on your plans and it looks great so far! Cute engagement story! I LOVE your hanger...would you mind sharing where you got it? I have seen them done before but yours is really done well! Congratulations and I can't wait to read more! popcorn::

I got the hanger from etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilafrances

It took awhile to get, so I would recommend ordering early! :wizard:

[padisneyfour]

just catching up... love your dress( yeah for pockets- even if you just have them for a tissue) and the hair combs are all very pretty 1 and 2 are my favorites! looking forward to hearing more of your plans:goodvibes

[faerieye]

Welcome bags - I didn't think I was going to do them, but I have fallen weak and decided to have them for each guest room!

Here is a little mock up of the "bear necessities"
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d920b3127ccefad7fd4e72be00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

It has a mini first aid kit, Advil to go pack, hand sanitizer and bath and body works orange scented lotion.

Everything has been purchased with coupons and either free or really discounted (the B&B lotion was 75% off).

Just trying to figure out the bag topper, as I'm not too fond of the one in the photo.

oooh, i LOVE your welcome bag idea! i still have not decided if i want to do this or not...

[BecBennett]

Ahh! I Can't believe I didn't remember how much I loved pockets while I was dress shopping!! Thank god for bouquets, or I'd have no idea what I'd be doing with my hands all day! :rotfl:

My favourite headband is number 2, however I think with the dress and a birdcage veil maybe number 3 would look best :confused3

Plus I like the shoes with the ankle strap, :thumbsup2

It's so much easier to decide on the details of someone else's wedding! Why can't it be this easy when I'm looking at my stuff!

[erin.w]

It's so much easier to decide on the details of someone else's wedding! Why can't it be this easy when I'm looking at my stuff!

I have the same problem! Thanks for all the input - I think I'm leaning towards headband #3 and the shoes with the straps - in fact I returned the others. The shop I bought the headbands from does not allow returns - so the others will eventually end up on ebay! :surfweb:

[erin.w]

Since my purchase of a cricut machine I have been trying to think of projects I can use it for!

I am going to make tags that look something like a combination of these - maybe for the welcome bags.
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.142125746.jpg

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.156218394.jpg

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.147819055.jpg

[tinkerbell 766]

They are lovely!!
I guess they won't be too difficult to make with a cricut!!
Argh I really want one of those machines!!! Trouble is just when I really could do with one, ie during the VR planning, I just can't justify the expense!!!

[Disney9.9.10]

I love the bag tags, you should definitely make them! Congratulations on getting a cricut - they are amazing! I have used mine for a ton of wedding projects so I am sure that you will be able to find things to make.

[angel81uk]

Those tags are adorable! I keep looking into buying a craftrobo, I'm sure there must be something wedding related I can use it for!

[padisneyfour]

Since my purchase of a cricut machine I have been trying to think of projects I can use it for!

I am going to make tags that look something like a combination of these - maybe for the welcome bags.
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.142125746.jpg

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.156218394.jpg

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.147819055.jpg

Love the tags! very cute!:goodvibes

[erin.w]

Thanks for all the comments - I'm going to use more of our wedding colors for them, but they should come out nicely!

They are lovely!!
I guess they won't be too difficult to make with a cricut!!
Argh I really want one of those machines!!! Trouble is just when I really could do with one, ie during the VR planning, I just can't justify the expense!!!

I ended up buying one new on ebay for $78.00. The lady was going to charge me around $50 for the tags, so I figure that money goes towards paying for the machine! :cutie:

Paper and ribbon purchased, just waiting on the machine!

Next project: custom stickers for the welcome folders

[jtanddolly]

This is the dress I ended up purchasing!! It's very much me and it has pockets!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf96c0cca7500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I bought it in two sizes as I plan on losing 10 lbs and hope to fit into the smaller size as the larger size needs to be taken in at my current weight.

A shot of the boutique:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf8e9972b4800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

My question to you:

Which pair of shoes do you like better (that is if I don't purchase the ones from J. Crew)? It's hard to tell from the bad lighting but they really are pink, not red as they appear!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf9feabca9b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Up next - a hair piece (lol that sounded like a wig, not the headband I intended).

I've decided that I'm going to have short hair for the wedding, as I'm not into up-do's so much.

That being said - I've been on the search for head pieces. These are the three I found and hope to use one of them.

Which do you think goes best with the dress? :idea:

#1:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d903b3127ccefaf85d512bd400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

#2:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d900b3127ccefafe1d3042d000000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

#3:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d900b3127ccefafec301428e00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I hope to use a birdcage veil with the headband for the ceremony.


Whew! That's all for tonight, look forward to your comments! :surfweb:


My vote is for the second shoe. The first since it is a shiny patent leather material, looks a little more every day not wedding...the second seems fancier for a wedding.

I also vote for the 2 or 3 headband. I have the same problem with the first headband that I had with the first shoe...it isn't formal enough for a wedding. I like the band width and material on the 2nd band...the third band is too narrow and has that shine that makes it not so elegant, but I like both of the crystal flowers on 2 and 3.

Your dress has simple elegant lines and the headband and shoe can really add some drama.

[erin.w]

My vote is for the second shoe. The first since it is a shiny patent leather material, looks a little more every day not wedding...the second seems fancier for a wedding.

I also vote for the 2 or 3 headband. I have the same problem with the first headband that I had with the first shoe...it isn't formal enough for a wedding. I like the band width and material on the 2nd band...the third band is too narrow and has that shine that makes it not so elegant, but I like both of the crystal flowers on 2 and 3.

Your dress has simple elegant lines and the headband and shoe can really add some drama.

I agree with you, I returned the 1st shoe and I think I have found a shoe that I like better than the second one. Let's see if this link works - http://www.endless.com/Poetic-Licence-Womens-Dazzling-Peep-Toe/dp/B003650BXC/178-0360732-0864434?ie=UTF8&suppressRedirect=1

The ones in pink/orange. Just waiting to see if they go on sale at all or if I can find them locally. :goodvibes

I think the headband may have to change based on the shoes, I probably should have waited to buy the headbands, oh well!

Thanks for your opinions though, feel free to add them at any time!

[erin.w]

I also like these: http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Licence-Womens-Wonderful-Day/dp/B003652BCQ/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_2

I like that they are flat as I don't usually wear heels, just wish they came in the pink and orange.

What do you think?

[erin.w]

Or these:

Not sure what I think of them, yet. (in pink)

http://www.amazon.com/Butter-Womens-Summer-Peep-Wedge/dp/B002T45BL8/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_34

[erin.w]

Thanks to Dolly and my new Cricut machine - I made the welcome folders.

Started off by printing the design on cardstock, then cutting it out on the cricut (one at a time), it took a lot of practice to get it centered and cut properly.

Next was to feed the paper through my handy dandy new sticker machine (which I loove).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d629b3127ccefa859b26291a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

They ended up looking like this: (I made 18 out of the 25 I will need)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d629b3127ccefa852bbc29d800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Peel the stickers off the sheet and placed them on the poly folders.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d629b3127ccefa84582d49a400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

What do you think?

I also printed coloring sheets for the kids for the reception on cardstock. (I got the images from my coke rewards, it was a Disney coloring download - cost me nothing!) I'll take photos of them tomorrow.
:goodvibes

[pezaddict231]

I love the folders, they turned out great! The sticker machine looks really cool. I got a cricut too for wedding crafts and it has been so worth it.

[tinkerbell 766]

I wish you girls would stop going on about how wonderful the Cricut machines are!!!! ;) It makes me want one and I really cannot justify it at the moment. The cheapest one I found on Ebay in the UK was about £250.00 ($375.00) and I can't afford it.
I love what you have done with the welcome folders.
Dolly seems to be helping many brides on here. She is a generous and very talented DISigner!!

[Disney9.9.10]

I love your welcome folders! The labels turned out great! I have a cricut and I love it, but sadly I do not have a sticker maker lol I don't think that I commented on this earlier, but your dress looks really pretty on you :goodvibes

[Princessfifi]

I love the tags and welcome folder! They're absolutely fabulous!

We've been looking for folders, where did you get yours?

[erin.w]

Thanks everyone!

The welcome folders are from Office Max - they were $0.39 each.

I bought some other folders for the kids reception activities - poly 2 pocket folders - in pink and teal/blue - they are on sale from $0.99 to $0.25 this week.

Also got $0.25 sharpies for the wedding a couple weeks ago. Thank goodness for back to school time!

[erin.w]

I wanted to get some info out to the guests as I have it on our website but don't think people check it for updates!

T-60 days until our planning session! :eek::woohoo::scared1:

These will go out in the mail by the end of the week.

Front Page:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa80eebd05ec00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

When you open the front cover:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa81bb88e41700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

This is the inside when you open it flat (this was before it was folded, but you get the idea):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa81a15265f000000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Back page:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa80b17bc4ad00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Before folding:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa80bd5bc48b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Envelopes I bought at Target and printed our return address and the guests' address on the front:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d631b3127ccefa813202a44100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I was pleased with how they came out but they used a lot more ink than I thought they would. :scared1:

[DVC Bride 2011]

Those came out REALLY nice, Erin! What program did you use to make them? I love the sticker designs, too. I think it's really neat when couples have their own unique logo or design...something no other bride will ever have ;)

[erin.w]

Those came out REALLY nice, Erin! What program did you use to make them? I love the sticker designs, too. I think it's really neat when couples have their own unique logo or design...something no other bride will ever have ;)

I used the 'Pages' program on my mac. Thanks for the compliment! :yay:

[erin.w]

My shoes arrived! I wanted something fun, but not high-heeled as Rick doesn't want me taller than him. :goodvibes

Here they are:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d630b3127ccefa8231a81d2200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I am not a fancy shoe type person so these are the nicest shoes I've ever purchased.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d630b3127ccefa823df21d7e00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Back details:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d630b3127ccefa8214b25db200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d630b3127ccefa83e38d3d2200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Best part is they are comfortable! :lovestruc

[erin.w]

We went this past weekend to renew/apply for our Passports for the cruise part of our honeymoon!

[Sccrmnky2005]

We went this past weekend to renew/apply for our Passports for the cruise part of our honeymoon!

YAY!! I love DCL:goodvibes

[erin.w]

YAY!! I love DCL:goodvibes


We've never been on a cruise let alone DCL. I'm excited and a bit nervous! :upsidedow

[jtanddolly]

Erin, this was the first time I had a chance to look at your thread since my last post. Everything looks GREAT! I love the newsletter...it looks so professional! And the stickers with your logo turned out wonderful. I can't wait to see more things that you make!

Here is a little wedding present for you in case you can use one of them...I wasn't sure which DISign you might like:

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/jtanddolly/Requests/CandyBarWrapper1.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/jtanddolly/Requests/CandyBarWrapper2.jpg

These should measure 5.25 x 5.5 to fit on a regular milk chocolate hershey bar. I print mine on regular paper (if you use cardstock then you have to deal with getting a good crease). Then I cover it with shelf paper to give it a professional look and feel (it is also called clear adhesive/peel and stick laminate - you can get it at Walmart where they sell shelf paper). Or you can print on glossy brochure paper. Or you can try it on your sticker machine (but it could be difficult lining it up to get the ends to match perfectly).

PS If you have time...make something and join in the FE craze on your cruise. It is so much fun to come back to your cabin and have gifts waiting...and just as much fun to give them to others!

[erin.w]

Erin, this was the first time I had a chance to look at your thread since my last post. Everything looks GREAT! I love the newsletter...it looks so professional! And the stickers with your logo turned out wonderful. I can't wait to see more things that you make!

Here is a little wedding present for you in case you can use one of them...I wasn't sure which DISign you might like:

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/jtanddolly/Requests/CandyBarWrapper1.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/jtanddolly/Requests/CandyBarWrapper2.jpg

These should measure 5.25 x 5.5 to fit on a regular milk chocolate hershey bar. I print mine on regular paper (if you use cardstock then you have to deal with getting a good crease). Then I cover it with shelf paper to give it a professional look and feel (it is also called clear adhesive/peel and stick laminate - you can get it at Walmart where they sell shelf paper). Or you can print on glossy brochure paper. Or you can try it on your sticker machine (but it could be difficult lining it up to get the ends to match perfectly).

PS If you have time...make something and join in the FE craze on your cruise. It is so much fun to come back to your cabin and have gifts waiting...and just as much fun to give them to others!

How could I have missed this great gift, Dolly, I love them both! Just have to decide to use them in the welcome bags or for something else! Decisions, decisions! :goodvibes Thanks again!

[DisneyDiva84]

Everything looks so amazing thus far! I am so jealous of your newsletter it turned out great!

[jtanddolly]

How could I have missed this great gift, Dolly, I love them both! Just have to decide to use them in the welcome bags or for something else! Decisions, decisions! :goodvibes Thanks again!

So glad that you like them! I hope you are able to use one.

[erin.w]

Small update:

Passports received
Accessories purchased - headband, necklace and bracelet (photos to follow)
Confirmation of dress shipping - should arrive beginning of next week?
Carolyn Allen's - we will be visiting the shop for Rick to check things out when we go to
Disney in October

I haven't been doing much in way of my DIY projects as I have been working two jobs (yay for extra wedding money!). Have also been trying to cook more at home as we are trying to lose a few pounds (although it's hard to do when I'm so tired when I get home).

That's all for now, pictures to follow!

[NOMNOMNOMS]

Stumbled across your PJ and I love everything you have so far...I am obsessed with pockets and adore your dress and shoes. I'll be starting my welcome bags and such soon...Thank you for the inspiration...can't wait to hear more!popcorn::

[erin.w]

Thanks so much for following along! Will hopefully be making an update this weekend!

[FutureMrs.B]

Hi I'm just joining in. I luv all your plans. Your dress and shoes are really cute. And I love the newsletter and gift bag ideas very creative. Makes me wish I had a mac. Maybe one day. :)

[jtanddolly]

I saw this poem and thought of you since you are using the dandelion as a logo for your wedding.

To the Dandelion

Dear common flower, that grow'st beside the way,
Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold,
First pledge of blithesome May,
Which children pluck, and, full of pride, uphold,
High-hearted buccaneers, o'erjoyed that they
An Eldorado in the grass have found,
Which not the rich earth's ample round
May match in wealth, thou art more dear to me
Than all the prouder summer-blooms may be.

Gold such as thine ne'er drew the Spanish prow
Through the primeval hush of Indian seas,
Nor wrinkled the lean brow
Of age, to rob the lover's heart of ease;
'Tis the Spring's largess, which she scatters now
To rich and poor alike, with lavish hand,
Though most hearts never understand
To take it at God's value, but pass by
The offered wealth with unrewarded eye.

Thou art my tropics and mine Italy;
To look at thee unlocks a warmer clime;
The eyes thou givest me
Are in the heart, and heed not space or time:
Not in mid June the golden-cuirassed bee
Feels a more summer-like warm ravishment
In the white lily's breezy tent,
His fragrant Sybaris, than I, when first
From the dark green thy yellow circles burst.

Then think I of deep shadows on the grass,
Of meadows where in sun the cattle graze,
Where, as the breezes pass,
The gleaming rushes lean a thousand ways,
Of leaves that slumber in a cloudy mass,
Or whiten in the wind, of waters blue
That from the distance sparkle through
Some woodland gap, and of a sky above,
Where one white cloud like a stray lamb doth move.

My childhood's earliest thoughts are linked with thee;
The sight of thee calls back the robin's song,
Who, from the dark old tree
Beside the door, sang clearly all day long,
And I, secure in childish piety,
Listened as if I heard an angel sing
With news from heaven, which he could bring
Fresh every day to my untainted ears
When birds and flowers and I were happy peers.

How like a prodigal doth nature seem,
When thou, for all thy gold, so common art!
Thou teachest me to deem
More sacredly of every human heart,
Since each reflects in joy its scanty gleam
Of heaven, and could some wondrous secret show,
Did we but pay the love we owe,
And with a child's undoubting wisdom look
On all these living pages of God's book.

James Russell Lowell [1819-1891]

If you get a chance...check out my blog. I put some of your pics on there:
http://paperperfectiononline.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-post.html

[erin.w]

Here are the bags I got (in pink and green):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d823b3127ccefa10e839773800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

For the bear necessities bags:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb67b50bda1f00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Have to work on putting those together

Little felt notebooks I got for a great deal at the Christmas Tree shop:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb67c2131b9400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Misc. ribbons for luggage tags and bag tags:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb6679d67bd800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb679bcf5bfc00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Ceremony Programs I am going to print:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb6770579ab900000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Tags for the wish tree (purchase on etsy):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb662d567b7200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Branches I have for the wish tree:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb666d43fa7700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Hope to incorporate these into the ceremony and reception (will find out pricing in our PS):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb66a6f0ba3900000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I don't know if I ever posted my ring..so I will in the next post!

[erin.w]

Here are my jewels! (headband with feathers, necklace and bracelet)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb6709ee5b9400000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

A better photo of my engagement ring:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d633b3127ccefa8c0f1474c600000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

A similar engagement ring setting with my wedding band (they added small diamonds in each circle detail):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d633b3127ccefa8cbad7b5f700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Rick's band is ceramic
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb663af0ba7700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


Up next activity packs for the kids for the reception!

[mareeld86]

Hi Erin I love all your planning. Will keep following on!

[erin.w]

We made it to Disney's Memories webpage (I think everyone gets their photo posted):

http://memories.disneyparks.disney.go.com/base/showcase/#/detail/4187

[bambi0921]

I just discovered your PJ and I'm loving everything so far! You're so crafty! I love the orange and pink combo and your little welcome bags are so cute! I can't wait to see/hear more!:goodvibes

[erin.w]

Update to come shortly! We just arrived home from our Planning Session trip!

Some highlights:
1. I have a new planning "fairy god-sister" who thanks to her, we were prepared for our PS.
2. Meeting our planner, and the floral designer
3. Our food tasting
4. Booking a special room to hold our welcome dinner
5. Enjoying the F&W fest
6. And bumping into the infamous Lurkyloo!!!

Photos and details to follow!

[mjshorses]

Hi! I'm just joining in! I love the colors you picked for your wedding and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your shoes!!!!!!

I wish I was talented do to some DIY projects. I love all the things you've created! I can't wait to read more!!!

[erin.w]

I've been soo busy and haven't had time to update so here are a few photos of some things I have been working on.

These are the luggage tags that will be sent to the guests once they make their reservations.
Front:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdf9c8aac5b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbde67d24d9a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Back:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdeca058cb300000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I've tried every possible way to laminate them and nothing has met my ideal so they will not be laminated. I ran the layers through my sticker maker and they are held on with permanent adhesive and that's the best I can do! They are more a novelty, as they don't have personal info on them.

Here are the folders for the kids for the reception to keep them busy!
Thanks to Dolly, my cricut machine and my sticker maker.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdfcafdac0700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
These are the coloring pages for the inside (they were free with my coke reward points):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdec42f0dae00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Each folder will have one of these pouches to contain the crayons/markers:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbde7f5a4d1e00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The little kids will also get these in their folders:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb6767275b6a00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

For the older kids:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d704b3127ccefb6762f51b2200000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

And for the little little kids between 6 months and 15 months they will get a set of three little disney board books. What does everyone think? :cutie:

[erin.w]

Alright here goes...here are a few photos to start our PS trip.

Our itinerary for the trip included:
Arriving Sunday. We were both so excited for this trip!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdfada96dc800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We headed over to the YC to get photos of our ceremony site as our room was not ready (which was understandable it was only 9:30am). To our surprise there was a ceremony just about to start!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbde98b30d1c00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We decided to park ourselves (we'll I decided we should watch) on the bench as far as we could but close enough to "see" what was going on. The bride thanked us for attending her wedding and I told her she looked beautiful. :goodvibes Don't know if she was a disbride or not but it was 10/10/10
While sitting there a lady walking by was like that looks like a nice spot for a wedding. :laughing: I said "were getting married there next April." It was pretty funny!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdf0c432dea00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

It was so helpful to see her ceremony as now we know where the guests and Rick will walk out from as well as my sister and I.

After her ceremony ended we decided to walk to our NEW reception spot of the Croquet Lawn. I wanted to see how long it would take to walk there!
Rick took on the job of the timer and it took 5 mins. walking at a leisurely pace.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdf87d7ec9300000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We have arrived!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdfa4452db800000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We just wandered around the BW to waste some time and there was an event happening at Jellyrolls!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdf77206d2c00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

This concludes our 10/10/10 wedding stalkings. :rotfl:

We then headed back to AKL to check in - and were met with the research department asking if we wanted to participate in a survey. Which we agreed as we would be making a whopping $25 disney gift card. Little did we know how much time it would entail and we haven't finished it as of yet - although I am thinking it's too late to complete now! We had to keep track of all spending, locations we visited on site and off site, hot many fastpasses we used, how many shops we walked through and many more details!)
Here was our diary:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf24b3127ccefbdf5f67ec4f00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

My best friend from HS arrived late Sunday night with her BF - Rick was just getting over a cold and tired (we had gotten up around 4am that morning for our 6:30am flight) but I was running on excitement to see my friend and met her and Dan at the MK for EMH. We stayed until closing at 2:00am. More to come....

[jtanddolly]

Everything looks great for the recent posts. I especially love the Minnie and Mickey silhouettes on your luggage tags.

If you tried regular lamination on the luggage tags and didn't like it...go to Walmart and get the clear adhesive shelf paper. (it is also called "peel and stick laminate" and you can find it with the shelf paper...it is a duck brand product, or at least the one I use is. You will get a large roll that you can use on tons of things and it is around $5) Half of the projects that I make, I laminate with an inexpesive laminating machine from Walmart, but when I want to laminate something and not have an 1/8 inch edge of lamination hanging off the project (or if I need to be able to bend the paper and/or wrap it around something, I use the shelf paper. You can add the shelf paper to the front and back of your tags and trim along the edge of the tag. It won't be as thick as regular lamination but it will keep the tags from being ruined if it rains and they will last a little longer.

This is also a GREAT product for covering hershey bar wrappers and water bottle labels! Your guests will think they were professionally made.

Hope that helps!

[NOMNOMNOMS]

Erin! I love love LOVE all of the new DIY stuff! Absolutely amazing....Do you mind if I barrow some of your ideas :)?...I was also thinking of doing DIY luggage tags since my 1st idea will not work. I was originally thinking of doing a custom type iron on but discovered that they do not work well with the types of bags we got for our welcome bags (they are a nylon type of matierial). :thumbsup2

[erin.w]

Thanks! Feel free :)

I'm just going to make cute tags for the welcome bags and the folders. They won't have a design on the side of the bag.


Erin! I love love LOVE all of the new DIY stuff! Absolutely amazing....Do you mind if I barrow some of your ideas :)?...I was also thinking of doing DIY luggage tags since my 1st idea will not work. I was originally thinking of doing a custom type iron on but discovered that they do not work well with the types of bags we got for our welcome bags (they are a nylon type of matierial). :thumbsup2

[erin.w]

We finally get to check into our room and run to the balcony like little kids to see the animals!

We see my favorite animal!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc42eb2f21d00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I could watch them all day. How cute!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc58f85139e00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

This guy became our good friend and a joke for the whole trip. We named him George. He played hide and seek throughout our trip.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc4f798b2c300000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We then ran out to the Food and Wine Festival to get dinner and catch Taylor Hicks sing (we saw him last year and enjoyed his show).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc4f6e8f22b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Mmmm we love F&W fest. :love:

After the show we happened upon a DP going on in our spot so I had to check it out.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc4fc4073b600000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc489d5b2b100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I looked at things like linens, where people stood or sat, if there were centerpieces, what people wore, etc. :bride: I guess these are the things you do when you're planning a wedding or as my fairy god-sister has taught me are important to take note of. Daily I go around looking at fonts, colors, prints, all in the name of the wedding planning. Never thought I would be thinking this way but I feel like I missed so much before this! :teacher:

These are the photos we came away with from the photopass photographer. Hmmm :scared1:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc52805d2e500000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc58e42d2f100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Don't adjust your screens or glasses - this was with my DSLR on auto.

Here is a photo I took moments later.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc50025d2d100000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I just don't understand how the photos they took came out blurry. :confused3

Goodnight F&W fest!

Good morning HS...
This restored my faith that photopass photographers can take a non-blurry photo.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc414c9f27b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We ate a quick breakfast at the bakery and just sat and people watched. I have to admit this is one of the wonderful parts of having AP. Just taking things slow some days. No need to rush to a ride and getting to see all the people running! :goodvibes

This was the morning we were meeting my best friend from high school who I hadn't seen in years and her BF.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc58911923900000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We went to 50's Prime Time as Dan had never been. Right after lunch we went on RR. Yeah I'm one of those people that takes a picture of a picture. I am normally a rule follower but I just can't see spending that much money for one photo. This is where my rule following and thriftyness collide. :upsidedow

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc54aa7534600000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We all made funny faces, we were really not that scared. :rotfl:

After that ride we went over to the Beauty and the Beast Show as we had never been! Now I liked Dan even more as he suggested we go see it! :cloud9: He's a keeper Maria!!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc5df38923b00000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
It was great!

[erin.w]

Up next we had to run to get Maria's car as we had to go to Carolyn Allen's for Rick's tux fitting. We LOVED them, they were awesome!! Here is half of Rick's tux. :laughing:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf29b3127ccefbc484edf21700000030O02AatW7Fq2ZMQ e3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Minus the vest, minus the tie. Sue is going to be hand-making our ties for the boys in our fabric. :lovestruc

That's all for this evening! :surfweb:

[jtanddolly]

If you haven't already made them all...I had one more idea for the luggage tag. Had you thought about making the back side all white by printing on white paper, adhering to the black tag and trimming the sides? Or you could trim it out the same way you trimmed the black paper to make a tag and use your sticker machine to adhere it to the black tag. Then you wouldn't have the black showing around the white. The original looks good...just an idea.

[erin.w]

Hmmm good idea Dolly. I think I've made half of them so far. Might be worth a shot although i dread the idea of trying to line them all up on the cricut.

[DVC Bride 2011]

Great pics from your PS trip! I want to stay at AKL so bad - it's our home resort but we love being right at DTD when we stay at OKW or SSR.

We take pictures of the pictures too :) My mom calls them redneck photographs, lol. They are too expensive!

[jtanddolly]

Hmmm good idea Dolly. I think I've made half of them so far. Might be worth a shot although i dread the idea of trying to line them all up on the cricut.

If you don't want to line them up on a cricut. Print the backside of the tag on white cardstock then trim down to where it is still larger than the tag, but easy enough to work with. Next with the white side facing you, hold the two pieces of paper up to a light source so that you can see the black tag through the white paper. Then you should be able to line up the white sheet with the black tag. Next use double sided tape to adhere the two. Flip it over so that the black tag is on top and use scissors to trim off the excess white paper.

If you decide to try laminating them with shelf paper...place the tag on the shelf paper (after you remove the backing). Then fold the laminating paper over so that both the front and the back are covered with the shelf paper. (Make sure there is at least 1/8 inch shelf paper around all four sides. Then use scissors and trim around the outside of the tag. You do not have to leave any excess shelf paper so cut right next to the tag.

Hope that makes sense and helps if you decide to try.

[NOMNOMNOMS]

Hi Erin!!! Just checking in! Our big days are soo close! Hope all the planning is going well!

[erin.w]

Hi Erin!!! Just checking in! Our big days are soo close! Hope all the planning is going well!

Thank goodness for my friend who has stepped in and helped more than I could ever thank her for. If it were not for her, I would be beyond stressed out at the moment. It probably helps that she keeps my to-do list away from me. hehe

It's getting so close!!! My poor PJ was abandoned, I just wasn't able to keep up with it, while trying to work to pay for the wedding! I promise a TR full of details!

One week from now I will be heading down to Fl with Rick following a few days later. Everyone that is coming seems really excited so that's awesome!

Hopefully I will be able to post once more before we leave! :cutie:

[erin.w]

And I'm off.....

Leaving today and off from work for 23 days!! See ya soon!

[irishwishes]

Have a TON of fun and can't wait to hear all about it!! :yay::yay::yay:

[erin.w]

Hello from the akl! Were getting married in about 9 hours!! We had an awesome welcome party tonight, excited for tomorrow! I should probably get to sleep. Night

[LuvLuvLuv]

happy wedding day!!!

[Sccrmnky2005]

Happy wedding day!! Can't wait to hear about everything when you return!!

[NOMNOMNOMS]

Happy happy wedding day fellow April Bride!!!:cool1:

[erin.w]

Thanks girls!! At akl for a couple more days! Aside from a bout of food poisoning, everything has been awesome! Photos and details to follow!

[jtanddolly]

Congratulations on the BIG day! I can't wait to see your TR. I hope all is well and your wedding/honeymoon is extra special!

[princesswendy720]

I saw you preview pictures on the Roots blog...everything looked great!

[jtanddolly]

I saw your pics on the Roots blog and from the few pics I saw everything looked like so much fun!!! Your colors all popped in the pictures. I can't wait to see and hear more.

[erin.w]

Now that we are almost 4 months past our wedding the start of our wedding trip report is long overdue. Including the time i took off before our wedding, I was away from home for 3 weeks so there is a lot to cover. Things may be a little out of order as I got word that the Roots would be featuring us on their blog tomorrow.

My TR will flow something like this:
1. Vendor reviews
2. Root Photography blog :cheer2:
3. Back to the beginning of my trip with photos/details in the days
leading up to the wedding day

Without further adieu!

Vendor reviews:

Here starts our trip report! I'm not going to grade our vendors as we
liked them all and would use all of them again if we needed to!
I will give a quick synopsis of what our experiences were with each vendor.

Root Photography: We LOVED them! We had to get their base package in order to be able to afford them but that didn't matter. I knew we would love our photos and that we did! We got the full image disk and haven't decided what to do with the photos yet! We used their services for engagement photos, our welcome party and most of our wedding day. I loved that Jensey didn't try to convince me to take photos without my glasses! And Nates sense of humor often had us genuinely laughing in our photos. Would highly recommend them! :lovestruc

Simply Cinematic: originally we had planned to skip videography because of budget reasons and my dislike of everyday wedding videos that would bore viewers. When my friend introduced and insisted we had to hire rainer and Jon, we were hooked on their cinematic style trailers/movies. We have yet to see our trailer but wait with much excitement! What I liked most from our wedding day was the fact that I didn't realize they were there taping. I often joke that I hope they were really there, as I didn't see them until the end of the day! We used them for our welcome party and most of our wedding day.

Carol Mikles (DFTW planner): We loved her! She knew her stuff! For the most part she was quick to get back to us. Actually when I read that it took people weeks to hear from their planner, I realized that she often responded within a day or two. Her assistant changed towards the beginning of our planning, which was disappointing but worked out ok. If she reads this, a gift will arrive shortly! Hehe do we get a year to send our gifts out? :cutie:

Warren Haseltine (Disney Florist designer): Warren has since left the florist, which we were sad to hear. He was so dedicated to our wedding. Often spending time at home looking things up and planning when he wasn't "working." I often had to plan when I wanted to email him as he only worked mwf, but I adjusted to that schedule. His assistant, Jen, was just as helpful and arranged for shipping things back to ct after the wedding and saved us a ton of money in the end. :littleangel:

Beaute Speciale: They did a great job! The only disappointment I had was that the person that did my trial in November did not do my hair for the wedding (I thought the whole point was to have the continuity). Either way, we booked them for hair and makeup for our welcome party the night before so that essentially was my second "trial." They were timely each day and were a lot of fun while we were getting ready. They had us laughing throughout the day which took the edge off. All the girls were happy with their hair and makeup! :wizard:

Shelley from Impressions: www.fairytalewedding.com Shelley started out by printing our invites. My friend designed them, but Shelley really made the project her own ensuring they were printed to her standards. In the days leading up to our wedding we ended up adding so many little touches which really made our day that much more memorable. The costs certainly added up but the quality was really worth it. Shelley even brought little details to our day from her personal collections which meant a lot to us. I know her hard work made our day look the way we intended it. :yay:

And last but certainly not least!

Yehaa Bob Jackson: from the moment we saw Bob's show at the POR, we knew we had to have him involved in our wedding at some level. Bob was awesome and always told us "it will all work out." Before I explain where we had Bob for our wedding, I must tell you that initially music was one of the areas of our budget where we didn't really like any of the options disney provided so we were going to have a basic guitarist. In the end we ended up spending a ton more to have Bob for our welcome party, ceremony and reception, but he was worth his weight in gold. He met and exceeded our expectations. :woohoo:

Up next: our feature on the Root blog!!!

I promise tons of photos in the coming posts!

[tinkerbell 766]

Great reviews!!! Looking forward to reading more!!

[DoomBuggy0922]

I looove reading wedding reviews! Can't wait to read more.

[erin.w]

Check us out on the blog!

Www.rootweddings.com/blog

[erin.w]

Were on the blog again! Check out a bunch of our wedding photos!!!

[elleinad16]

Ohmygosh. Your wedding is seriously one of the best I've ever seen!!! :lovestruc:wizard: Every single detail is immaculate. I love the bright colors! You look so happy. :goodvibes Great welcome party too! It's so unique--makes me wish I was a guest! :rotfl: I can't wait to see part 2 of the wedding! I'm on the edge of my seat now!

[DVC Bride 2011]

Great vendor reviews Erin! I saw the blog post about your welcome dinner - SO COOL. You put a lot of effort into it and it looked great! I can't wait to hear about everything else.

PS - it feels hotter in CT this week than it did in FL!

[erin.w]

Great vendor reviews Erin! I saw the blog post about your welcome dinner - SO COOL. You put a lot of effort into it and it looked great! I can't wait to hear about everything else.

PS - it feels hotter in CT this week than it did in FL!


Thanks!! :lovestruc

Wait until Friday - its going to be 100 with heat index of 110! oy!

[erin.w]

Ohmygosh. Your wedding is seriously one of the best I've ever seen!!! :lovestruc:wizard: Every single detail is immaculate. I love the bright colors! You look so happy. :goodvibes Great welcome party too! It's so unique--makes me wish I was a guest! :rotfl: I can't wait to see part 2 of the wedding! I'm on the edge of my seat now!


So kind of you!! :yay:


Did you see our final feature?

http://rootweddings.com/blog/2011/07/20/erin-rick-wedding-part-ii/
:goodvibes

[princesswendy720]

All of the little details are amazing! Did you DIY a lot of it yourself?

[pixie921]

So kind of you!! :yay:


Did you see our final feature?

http://rootweddings.com/blog/2011/07/20/erin-rick-wedding-part-ii/
:goodvibes

Beautiful wedding, Erin. Congratulations!!

[elleinad16]

So kind of you!! :yay:


Did you see our final feature?

http://rootweddings.com/blog/2011/07/20/erin-rick-wedding-part-ii/
:goodvibes

YES!!! :goodvibes Of course, it was perfect. I loved it all! I even had to yank my MOH aside and show her! Congrats, again!

[geek+nerd]

I love the whimsical look of your wedding! I bet you and all your guests had so much fun! Everything looks beautiful!

[Mindyjoy]

Erin, I saw your wedding through the Root's FB page and I totally love everything about it! I thought "it's too bad this couple didn't have a PJ because I love all the DIY aspects." AND THEN LOOK, HERE YOU ARE!!!!!! I'm not sure how in the world I missed your PJ but now I have to read back from the beginning. I love that your wedding is colorful, and simple yet elegant. This is what I envision for our wedding as well and I hope I can pull it off. We have the Roots booked and I'm sooo excited!!!!

Congrats! :bride:

[erin.w]

YES!!! :goodvibes Of course, it was perfect. I loved it all! I even had to yank my MOH aside and show her! Congrats, again!



Thank you!! :goodvibes

[erin.w]

I love the whimsical look of your wedding! I bet you and all your guests had so much fun! Everything looks beautiful!

Thank you for the kind comments! Everyone had a great time! Wish we could do it again!

[erin.w]

Erin, I saw your wedding through the Root's FB page and I totally love everything about it! I thought "it's too bad this couple didn't have a PJ because I love all the DIY aspects." AND THEN LOOK, HERE YOU ARE!!!!!! I'm not sure how in the world I missed your PJ but now I have to read back from the beginning. I love that your wedding is colorful, and simple yet elegant. This is what I envision for our wedding as well and I hope I can pull it off. We have the Roots booked and I'm sooo excited!!!!

Congrats! :bride:


Hehe I'm here!!! I stopped pretty early on posting updates in planning but I'm going to go backwards to show all the planning, well some, that went into our wedding.

I'm sure you will love the roots as much as we do!
:love:

[erin.w]

We were featured on DFTW's wedding cake Wednesday blog!

http://disneyweddingsblog.com/wedding-cake-wednesday/4487/

[rigs32]

When you get the chance, I'd love to hear more about how Bob Jackson was involved with your activities. And if you're not comfortable posting the price, if you could PM me I would greatly appreciate it.

Your wedding looks like it was a lot of fun and unique - the kind of wedding people will talk about for years to come. Congrats!

[Seaprincess1129]

Wow...I loved your bright colors! Everything was so coordinated and perfect! Great job! :goodvibes

[roxysmum123]

Awesome photos! I LOVE the Roots and am determined to have them photograph my wedding! Subscribing so I can read the rest of your TR!

[erin.w]

When you get the chance, I'd love to hear more about how Bob Jackson was involved with your activities. And if you're not comfortable posting the price, if you could PM me I would greatly appreciate it.

Your wedding looks like it was a lot of fun and unique - the kind of wedding people will talk about for years to come. Congrats!

Thanks a lot! I PMed you!

[erin.w]

Awesome photos! I LOVE the Roots and am determined to have them photograph my wedding! Subscribing so I can read the rest of your TR!

I was too!! I know the feeling. :hug:

[erin.w]

Wow...I loved your bright colors! Everything was so coordinated and perfect! Great job! :goodvibes

I'm so glad we used the bright colors, it really made the photos pop. Thanks!

[erin.w]

Have to fix the post! Sorry all!

[roxysmum123]

Eep! I can't see any of the photos you just posted! IS it just me??

[erin.w]

Backtracking... ok so it was about a year ago we went down for site visits and decided that we were getting married at the yacht club gazebo and that our reception would be lunch at Narcossees. We then got home and I started thinking about it. I thought maybe it would best to move the ceremony to the Grand Floridian so we could cut costs and avoid transportation. Great idea right? I have never been fond of the wedding pavilion - its just too formal for our style - we wanted something different, something unexpected. I saw pictures of a wedding in the Marina and thought it could be perfect! My only concern was the cost for decor for that space. I contacted the bride who used it for ideas and that’s when I met my Fairy God Sister (will be referred to as FGS :littleangel:). This was where my PJ ended (sorry!!) From that point on with her help our wedding took off in a whole new direction.


Sing with me! A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view, no one to tell us no or where to go, or say we’re only dreaming! It’s prettier in french - Ce rêve bleu, c'est un nouveau monde en couleurs, où personne ne nous dit, c'est interdit, de croire encore au bonheur!


Ok our wedding had nothing to do with Aladdin. Moving on!


The first thing we figured out was that we really wanted bright colors, mainly bright pink. I knew I wanted my husband to wear a brightly colored tie. I found an etsy seller with five different fabrics that I loved. With the help of FGS we picked hot pink with orange polka dots - LOVE polka dots!! http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/tiefabric.jpg That was it! The colors were hot pink and bright orange. We just needed an accent and so we picked bright blue which I think complemented everything perfectly. Hot pink, bright orange and bright blue - I was in love.


I still had concerns about ceremony decor. FGS suggested something she had seen a while back on Carly’s blog. http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2010/04/and-theme-for-week-ishome-events.html ( LOVE this blog!!!) The poms were PERFECT for decor. They were the bright punches of color (and jumbo polka dots) that we were looking for on a budget that we could work with. The only problem - they did not even begin to go with the space in Narcossees that we had liked so much. DH and I were torn. Then FGS suggested we keep the ceremony location at the yacht club and do an outdoor reception at the Boardwalk. I was really hesitant - what if it rained? All I could picture was pouring rain on our wedding day and us being stuck in an empty ballroom that we were not prepared for. After much debate we decided to move the reception to the Croquet Lawn at the Boardwalk. (Insert FGS doing cartwheels here.)


Suddenly our wedding was coming together!!! :cheer2: I was very lucky that we had access to photoshop and were able to piece together all of our ideas. It took a number of drafts and lots of dreaming to figure out exactly what it was that we wanted but we kept working on it. It was so helpful to be able to visualize everything. Most of what was done was never saved as a Jpeg, but here are a few of the pictures that were uploadable.


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/ry400.jpg
http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/gerberahedges.jpg


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/ErinsCeremony.jpg


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/justpinkgerberas.jpg


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/ceremonyspacewithpetals.jpg


(Just so that DH could be a part of the drafts FGS ever so slightly disguised my wedding dress.)


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/ErinsDress.jpg


See not that different! LOL!!! :rotfl:


Before long, we had reached something that was simple and perfect and completely and totally us.


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/nopetalsorhedgepoms.jpg


http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz161/tucket02/Erins%20wedding/ceremonyfinal.jpg


This was our dream ceremony space. :cloud9:


Next up reception and cake planning.

[Mindyjoy]

What a GREAT idea to use photoshop to decorate your site!!! I am so totally doing that! :)

[v_misses_epcot]

I'm speechless seriously! You're the cutest bride and crafty to boot! Congrats!

[erin.w]

Well a whole 9 months has gone by since we got married - about time to get the rest of the details to you! Luckily my friend, my fairgodsister, wrote the following features for Carly's site ( www.disneyweddingblog.com )

I hope you will follow along!

Starting with our welcome party at the akl:
http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/01/animal-kingdom-welcome-party-erin-rick.html


featuring our DIY candy bar!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEvIHZ-9S-Y/TwfWxyjhbpI/AAAAAAAAdGQ/_atnQVKfLeA/s1600/WP_8.jpg

[erin.w]

Here are our getting ready and first look details!

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/01/erin-ricks-walt-disney-world-wedding.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOH1bH_68A0/TxUw5wf0ESI/AAAAAAAAedI/w7uLQeXZop0/s1600/GR_8.jpg

Minutes before the ceremony!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFPs-YNdpIE/TxUxUuraApI/AAAAAAAAeeA/5PwlMTc_0v8/s1600/GR_15.jpg

[erin.w]

Our ceremony!

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/01/erin-ricks-walt-disney-world-wedding_17.html

And it's time to say "I do!"

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uH2ju6Z-1I/TxU083Sb1rI/AAAAAAAAehA/2ez3nMNnnrI/s1600/C+20.jpg

My niece :)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHaaCk_1NVk/TxU0OLIZHBI/AAAAAAAAegA/988PtxEN9jQ/s1600/C+11.jpg

And my favorite photo of all! Thanks to the Roots!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znM-kpbW-dw/TxU1NIeE5XI/AAAAAAAAehY/-DT0bIzVZFM/s1600/C+23.jpg

[erin.w]

Sorry for the life size photos!

Up next is our reception! We worked really hard to make this a unique event for our guests. Thanks to my fairy god-sister for her tireless hours spent on the DIY aspects! It still makes me smile to this day!

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/01/erin-ricks-walt-disney-world-wedding_9638.html

Our cake!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0yhrLfdkxk/TxX0rD8uXsI/AAAAAAAAek4/Si20XybWG7g/s1600/L+23.jpg

detailed shot (as mentioned I grew up with my dad raising bees so it meant a lot to me to have them incorporated into our day):

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWpksT51SYQ/TxX0vFBzMFI/AAAAAAAAelA/VpGslO_svVg/s1600/L+24.jpg

Here we all are:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVu0Yi8Tuuw/TxX1izUf9FI/AAAAAAAAemg/nfmERgiAosM/s1600/L_36.jpg

[erin.w]

At the end of our reception we had almost an hour to wander around with the Roots to take photos!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12MMHpuhxpw/TxYQvW7nHmI/AAAAAAAAeno/QKVwsOQhwlc/s1600/P_3.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXUEzvmC8Yk/TxYRJzA6O-I/AAAAAAAAeoo/rvY_KO8nWdM/s1600/P+11.jpg

Boy were we exhausted! Back to the akl for a nap before the dp!

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/01/erin-ricks-walt-disney-world-wedding_4203.html

some of the treats we had:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k59kdKhkC5A/TxYRQiQW_KI/AAAAAAAAeo4/Pie8Oc-4-b8/s1600/DP+2.jpg

sadly we were not able to take any to-go!

But we did have one last surprise guest (my gift to Rick)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxFGjlgM7tE/TxYRWzl-LmI/AAAAAAAAepA/lE5PFtJbwXg/s1600/DP+3.jpg

we even got "PUSH" personalized Mickey ears. :wizard:

I don't think the exhaustion set in until the next couple of days! The memories of our wedding will live on in our minds forever. To my fairy god sister, my sister and best friend, thank you for all your help along the way! :grouphug:

[tric8783]

Hey Erin!!
I'm so glad to see you have a PJ, I've seen your wedding in so many other places and so glad you bumped it up for me to find! :goodvibes

I seriously love everything about your wedding, it looks so incredibly fun!!

Did you have a custom menu for your DP to get it to $18/person per the blog post? Just wondering since your treats look awesome! Can you PM me if you don't want to share how you got it there? :) Absolutely love "PUSH" too and had no idea he was available to "book" haha!

Love it all!! :love:

[erin.w]

Hey Erin!!
I'm so glad to see you have a PJ, I've seen your wedding in so many other places and so glad you bumped it up for me to find! :goodvibes

I seriously love everything about your wedding, it looks so incredibly fun!!

Did you have a custom menu for your DP to get it to $18/person per the blog post? Just wondering since your treats look awesome! Can you PM me if you don't want to share how you got it there? :) Absolutely love "PUSH" too and had no idea he was available to "book" haha!

Love it all!! :love:

Thanks for the kind compliments!

The dp menu was custom to get the cost down. We literally took one item away at a time, to get to the right price. The cheesecake pushups were the chef's idea, and they were yummy! The price Cassie posted was off, we spent $28/pp. We had the following desserts.

Key lime tarts
strawberries with whipped cream
cheesecake pushups
chocolate eclairs
fruit tarts
marshmallow squares with butterscotch chips
mickey rice crispy treats
mini chocolate chip cookies
fruit punch
coffee/tea
and BOC milk

Hope that helps! There was beyond enough food even after a break between the reception and dessert party!

[tric8783]

Thanks Erin!
mmm that sounds so good! Cheesecake pushups sound amazing!!
is it lunch time yet?? :rotfl:

Thanks so much for the response!! We are still working on our menu and I love your list! :goodvibes